Investigative Process

After the Report

When a crime has been reported, the responding officer's first concern is for the safety of all involved. Once the officer has established that the victim and anyone else involved at the scene are safe, the investigation begins.

Questioning

The officer may need to ask many questions that you may feel are unnecessary, unfair, or accusatory; but, these questions are a vital part of the investigation and are not intended to offend the victim. The information you provide could assist in the possible apprehension and conviction of the suspect. As the victim of or witness to the crime, you are the most valuable part of the investigation process.

After the Arrest

Once a suspect has been arrested, bond will be set in accordance with the type of crime committed. The more serious the crime, the higher the bond. Bond is money paid as a condition of a pretrial release used to ensure return of the accused for trial proceedings.

If a person is unable to obtain a personal recognizance bond authorized by a judge or to post a cash bond, they will remain incarcerated until a bond reduction hearing is held or a disposition of the case is reached.